Talk:Wikinews interviews Prince Christopher I of the Principality of Vikesland on his micronation's recent space launch

Here is an email transcript of the interview:

Prince Christopher I>>>> Mr. Ford, i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vike... Aug 27

Prince Christopher ILoading...Aug 27

Prince Christopher I to me show details Aug 27 Reply

Mr. Ford,

i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vikesland.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I

On August 16th, 2008 Micronational history was made when the launch of the AWAY 35 mission by JP AEROSPACE carried the Vikeslandic national flag to the edge of space.

This is Historical, as far as is known no other micronation has accomplished this feat to date.

The AWAY mission was launched from the desert floor by Black Rock Nevada. The launch vehicle is carried to the edge of the stratosphere by large balloons. The vehicle itself carries video cameras as well as still cameras and has various scientific instruments that collect data during the mission. As well small instruments known as PONGSATS are aboard and carry out a wide variety of functions when kissing the vacuum of space. The Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and in turn had the flag taken up to the final frontier.

Prince Christopher I of Vikesland said, "Let the Micronational space race begin! I invite all other small nations to do the same or go beyond this historical accomplishment."

JP Aerospace is dubbed as "Americas other space program" and is indeed a great partner for those who are interested in becoming involved or sponsoring an AWAY mission. The whole mission was documented on video and our national flag is clearly seen on the craft as it is prepared for launch on the desert floor. Please visit the JP Aerospace website to learn more about their space program. www.jpaerospace.com

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IJw4gz1yM Reply Forward

Joseph FordPrince Christopher, Sorry for the late response. Yes, this is newsworthy for ... Sep 5 (11 days ago)

Joseph FordLoading...Sep 5 (11 days ago)

Joseph Ford to Prince show details Sep 5 (11 days ago) Reply

Prince Christopher, Sorry for the late response. Yes, this is newsworthy for sure. I'll write an article on your flag's space launch this week. It would be very good if I could have you answer a few questions for the article, so if you're interested, please send me an email. Thanks for your time, Joseph Ford

- Show quoted text - On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vikesland.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I

On August 16th, 2008 Micronational history was made when the launch of the AWAY 35 mission by JP AEROSPACE carried the Vikeslandic national flag to the edge of space.

This is Historical, as far as is known no other micronation has accomplished this feat to date.

The AWAY mission was launched from the desert floor by Black Rock Nevada. The launch vehicle is carried to the edge of the stratosphere by large balloons. The vehicle itself carries video cameras as well as still cameras and has various scientific instruments that collect data during the mission. As well small instruments known as PONGSATS are aboard and carry out a wide variety of functions when kissing the vacuum of space. The Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and in turn had the flag taken up to the final frontier.

Prince Christopher I of Vikesland said, "Let the Micronational space race begin! I invite all other small nations to do the same or go beyond this historical accomplishment."

JP Aerospace is dubbed as "Americas other space program" and is indeed a great partner for those who are interested in becoming involved or sponsoring an AWAY mission. The whole mission was documented on video and our national flag is clearly seen on the craft as it is prepared for launch on the desert floor. Please visit the JP Aerospace website to learn more about their space program. www.jpaerospace.com

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IJw4gz1yM

Reply Forward

Prince Christopher IMr. Ford, I am absolutely interested. I will answer any questions you send me... Sep 5 (11 days ago)

Prince Christopher ILoading...Sep 5 (11 days ago)

Prince Christopher I to me show details Sep 5 (11 days ago) Reply

Mr. Ford,

I am absolutely interested. I will answer any questions you send me.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I

On 5-Sep-08, at 3:16 PM, Joseph Ford wrote:

Prince Christopher, Sorry for the late response. Yes, this is newsworthy for sure. I'll write an article on your flag's space launch this week. It would be very good if I could have you answer a few questions for the article, so if you're interested, please send me an email. Thanks for your time, Joseph Ford

On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vikesland.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I



On August 16th, 2008 Micronational history was made when the launch of the AWAY 35 mission by JP AEROSPACE carried the Vikeslandic national flag to the edge of space.

This is Historical, as far as is known no other micronation has accomplished this feat to date.

The AWAY mission was launched from the desert floor by Black Rock Nevada. The launch vehicle is carried to the edge of the stratosphere by large balloons. The vehicle itself carries video cameras as well as still cameras and has various scientific instruments that collect data during the mission. As well small instruments known as PONGSATS are aboard and carry out a wide variety of functions when kissing the vacuum of space. The Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and in turn had the flag taken up to the final frontier.

Prince Christopher I of Vikesland said, "Let the Micronational space race begin! I invite all other small nations to do the same or go beyond this historical accomplishment."

JP Aerospace is dubbed as "Americas other space program" and is indeed a great partner for those who are interested in becoming involved or sponsoring an AWAY mission. The whole mission was documented on video and our national flag is clearly seen on the craft as it is prepared for launch on the desert floor. Please visit the JP Aerospace website to learn more about their space program. www.jpaerospace.com

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IJw4gz1yM

Reply Forward

Joseph FordHere are the questions: Q: The Principality of Vikesland is the first known m... Sep 6 (11 days ago)

Joseph FordLoading...Sep 6 (11 days ago)

Joseph Ford to Prince show details Sep 6 (11 days ago) Reply

Here are the questions: Q: The Principality of Vikesland is the first known micronation to have its flag displayed in outer space. How did you go about doing this? Q: What was the intermicronational reaction to your country's achievement? Q: Will Vikesland's flag be displayed in outer space again in the near future? Is this a sign of things to come for the Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space? Q: Although it is a bit off topic, how are things in Vikesland? Have any major changes or events taken place since our last interview? Thanks for your time. - Show quoted text -

On Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 7:57 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

I am absolutely interested. I will answer any questions you send me.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I

On 5-Sep-08, at 3:16 PM, Joseph Ford wrote:

Prince Christopher, Sorry for the late response. Yes, this is newsworthy for sure. I'll write an article on your flag's space launch this week. It would be very good if I could have you answer a few questions for the article, so if you're interested, please send me an email. Thanks for your time, Joseph Ford

On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vikesland.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I



On August 16th, 2008 Micronational history was made when the launch of the AWAY 35 mission by JP AEROSPACE carried the Vikeslandic national flag to the edge of space.

This is Historical, as far as is known no other micronation has accomplished this feat to date.

The AWAY mission was launched from the desert floor by Black Rock Nevada. The launch vehicle is carried to the edge of the stratosphere by large balloons. The vehicle itself carries video cameras as well as still cameras and has various scientific instruments that collect data during the mission. As well small instruments known as PONGSATS are aboard and carry out a wide variety of functions when kissing the vacuum of space. The Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and in turn had the flag taken up to the final frontier.

Prince Christopher I of Vikesland said, "Let the Micronational space race begin! I invite all other small nations to do the same or go beyond this historical accomplishment."

JP Aerospace is dubbed as "Americas other space program" and is indeed a great partner for those who are interested in becoming involved or sponsoring an AWAY mission. The whole mission was documented on video and our national flag is clearly seen on the craft as it is prepared for launch on the desert floor. Please visit the JP Aerospace website to learn more about their space program. www.jpaerospace.com

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IJw4gz1yM

Reply Forward

Prince Christopher II am an amateur rocket enthusiast and was researching ways we could possibly ... Sep 9 (8 days ago)

Prince Christopher ILoading...Sep 9 (8 days ago)

Prince Christopher I to me show details Sep 9 (8 days ago) Reply

On 6-Sep-08, at 12:16 AM, Joseph Ford wrote:

Here are the questions: Q: The Principality of Vikesland is the first known micronation to have its flag displayed in outer space. How did you go about doing this? I am an amateur rocket enthusiast and was researching ways we could possibly send a rocket up about 10 miles. While I was doing this research I came across the JP Aerospace website and the rest was history. Why re-invent the wheel when there is a perfectly good existing organization doing what you want to accomplish. They were very accessible and relatively inexpensive to get involved with. We simply helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and for that we had our flag taken to the edge of space.

Q: What was the intermicronational reaction to your country's achievement? From what I could tell, the response was all very good. Some leaders even suggested it was a leap forward for Micronationalism in general. We were generally congratulated.

Q: Will Vikesland's flag be displayed in outer space again in the near future? Is this a sign of things to come for the Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space?

Right now, I can say that it is definitely going to be displayed again in some form or another. We are currently thinking up ideas for a pongsat (ping pong ball size satellite) to send on one of the AWAY missions. The next major mission will likely happen in fall of 2009. Ultimately we are moving towards having a manned mission to space in the distant future with one of the civilian rocket companies like Virgin Galactic.

Q: Although it is a bit off topic, how are things in Vikesland? Have any major changes or events taken place since our last interview?

Things are going well in Vikesland right now. An award winning filmmaker out of Toronto has expressed interest in doing a documentary on Vikesland. I am as well working towards a more general documentary on Micronationalism in general. In late June we conducted our first foreign state visit to the Micronation of Molossia in Nevada. We also had a large weekend party with some 97 citizens showing up over two days at the Royal Ranchlands. I plan on posting some pictures on our website soon.

Thanks for your time.

Thank you Joseph. - Show quoted text -

On Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 7:57 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

I am absolutely interested. I will answer any questions you send me.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I

On 5-Sep-08, at 3:16 PM, Joseph Ford wrote:

Prince Christopher, Sorry for the late response. Yes, this is newsworthy for sure. I'll write an article on your flag's space launch this week. It would be very good if I could have you answer a few questions for the article, so if you're interested, please send me an email. Thanks for your time, Joseph Ford

On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM, Prince Christopher I  wrote:

Mr. Ford,

i thought you may interested in the latest achievement by Vikesland.

Regards,

Prince Christopher I



On August 16th, 2008 Micronational history was made when the launch of the AWAY 35 mission by JP AEROSPACE carried the Vikeslandic national flag to the edge of space.

This is Historical, as far as is known no other micronation has accomplished this feat to date.

The AWAY mission was launched from the desert floor by Black Rock Nevada. The launch vehicle is carried to the edge of the stratosphere by large balloons. The vehicle itself carries video cameras as well as still cameras and has various scientific instruments that collect data during the mission. As well small instruments known as PONGSATS are aboard and carry out a wide variety of functions when kissing the vacuum of space. The Vikeslandic Department of Aeronautics and Space helped sponsor the AWAY 35 mission and in turn had the flag taken up to the final frontier.

Prince Christopher I of Vikesland said, "Let the Micronational space race begin! I invite all other small nations to do the same or go beyond this historical accomplishment."

JP Aerospace is dubbed as "Americas other space program" and is indeed a great partner for those who are interested in becoming involved or sponsoring an AWAY mission. The whole mission was documented on video and our national flag is clearly seen on the craft as it is prepared for launch on the desert floor. Please visit the JP Aerospace website to learn more about their space program. www.jpaerospace.com

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IJw4gz1yM

Reply Forward

Review

 * 2 other notes. #1 Why is it "Joseph Ford" talking to this person? I thought it was Wikinews as a "group" rather than individual editors.  Thats why we don't have by lines.  #2 - that flag is not in the properly scaled. -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 22:57, 16 September 2008 (UTC)


 * #1 - It is fairly common for interviews to be conducted by a single editor (see the User:David Shankbone series of interviews. Yes, ideally several editors will contribute questions, but it is not always practical.
 * #2 - I fixed the image.
 * However, I do not find this interview to be newsworthy at all, and do not think it ought to be published.
 * Cheers, --SVTCobra 23:46, 16 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I disagree. An interview is an interview. He has done articles like this before and they were published. I don't see any issues other than its unique. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 00:35, 20 September 2008 (UTC)

Review 2

 * That really is just not a good example. More of an insult. This is not the first micronation article he has done. And unless those are not news, then I see no issue with this one. We are supposed to be unique as a news source, and this is a prime example of that. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 00:37, 20 September 2008 (UTC)

Review passed

 * Thanks. --WNewsReporter (talk) 01:04, 20 September 2008 (UTC)

I am appalled. --SVTCobra 01:00, 20 September 2008 (UTC)
 * There's no reason to be. It's perfectly fine to publish an unusual or comedic story every so often. --WNewsReporter (talk) 01:04, 20 September 2008 (UTC)
 * So we are supposed to sit here and publish recycled news all the time? He went through a good effort to write this and perform the interview. Although you may not be interested in the story, that is no reason to say its not newsworthiness. If we did that to every local and little story that came acorss WN, then Buffalo NY would be an empty category and even smaller stories like the Lakota ones would not exist here. We are unique, and so is this article. So far as I see it violates no policies and follows all guidelines. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 02:08, 20 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I have worked hard on publishing some of the earlier micronation articles. I went to extraordinary lengths to obtain properly licensed images for the Molossia articles including e-mailing Kevin Baugh and getting a OTRS ticket. I have worked on your Buffalo articles and the Lakota articles. I have even written "extreme local OR" myself in the form of PETA protests Burberry in White Plains, NY and Empire State Games come to White Plains, NY. So don't go accusing me of not being inclusionary. This story/interview, however, is different. It is not timely (happened nearly a month ago) and it is downright stupid (some guy paid a firm to send a piece of cloth into space) and it impacts absolutely no one. --SVTCobra 02:19, 20 September 2008 (UTC)